Shows
The Mind-Body Couple5 QUICK Ways to Regulate a Sensitized Nervous SystemWhen chronic pain or symptoms grip your life, the real culprit often lurks beneath the surface—a nervous system stuck in a state of perpetual danger. In this illuminating episode, Tanner and Anne share five powerful, scientifically-backed techniques to regulate your nervous system and create the internal safety your body desperately needs to heal.Most of us instinctively flee from uncomfortable sensations, a natural human tendency that paradoxically keeps us trapped in pain cycles. "Safety is the cure," Tanner explains, reframing regulation not as mere calmness but as developing the flexibility to return to equilibrium when life in...2025-07-3131 minThe Mind-Body CoupleThe Fight Response: Are You Fighting Against Your Chronic Pain or Illness?Have you ever wondered if your determination to overcome chronic pain might actually be keeping you stuck? This eye-opening discussion reveals how our natural tendency to fight against uncomfortable symptoms can backfire by triggering more nervous system dysregulation.Tanner and Anne expertly break down the fight response – not just physical fighting, but the tension, racing thoughts, urgent behaviors, and constant attempts to fix and figure out our symptoms. "I was perpetually in fight mode for my first two years," Tanner reveals, highlighting how many of us fall into this pattern without realizing it's counterproductive.Through pr...2025-06-2625 minThe Mind-Body CoupleEmbodiment: The Missing Key to Healing Chronic Pain and IllnessEver wondered why your pain/symptom persists despite countless treatments? The missing piece might be simpler than you think. Tanner and Anne reveal how our tendency to disconnect from uncomfortable bodily sensations actually perpetuates pain and symptom cycles rather than resolving them.Through candid stories about tax scares and zip-lining disasters, they illustrate the dramatic difference between being overwhelmed by sensations versus staying present with them. This isn't just theory—brain scans actually show people with chronic pain have decreased activation in areas that sense the body, while experiencing heightened emotional responses. The result? A brain that mi...2025-04-0330 minThe Mind-Body CouplePart 1: How do I know if my pain or symptoms are neuroplastic?How do you know when your chronic pain/symptoms are neuroplastic rather than structural? This question plagues countless people, who often find themselves caught between conflicting medical opinions, inconclusive test results, and treatments that provide only temporary relief.In this enlightening first installment of a two-part series, Tanner Murtaugh and Anne Hampson break down the concrete criteria that help identify neuroplastic pain and symptoms. They share that neuroplastic pain/symptoms occur when your brain and nervous system remain stuck in a state of danger despite no structural damage in your body - and importantly, you don't need...2025-03-2035 minThe Mind-Body CoupleOCD and Chronic Pain/SymptomsThe powerful connection between OCD patterns and chronic pain might be the missing puzzle piece in your healing journey. Tanner and Anne dive deep into how obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviors fuel neuroplastic symptoms, creating a cycle that keeps pain and symptoms alive.You'll discover why that constant symptom checking, endless research, and anxious monitoring actually reinforce your brain's pain circuits rather than solving the problem. With vulnerability and humor, the hosts share their own experiences with OCD tendencies—from Tanner's shoulder-testing ritual to Anne's encounters with health anxiety—and how these patterns operated both before and duri...2025-03-1341 minThe Mind-Body CoupleJuggling Parenthood and Healing: Navigating Chronic Pain with Balance and Self-CareParenting and chronic pain/illness—two life challenges that seem impossible to juggle, right? Join us, Tanner Murtaugh and Anne Hampson, as we unravel the intertwined complexities of nurturing our children while healing from neuroplastic pain and symptoms. Reflect on Tanner's journey from pre-parenthood healing to the new stressors and joys children bring into the mix. For those without kids, we encourage you to consider your own unique stressors and their impact on your healing process. Through our personal stories, you’ll gain insights into managing these challenges, whether you're still on the path to recovery or have already foun...2025-02-2034 minThe Mind-Body CoupleTanner's Flare-Up: Lessons from the FluAfter battling a relentless bout of stomach flu that turned our household upside down, we uncovered profound insights into the mind-body connection that we're excited to share with you. Picture this: each family member succumbs to illness, fear creeps in, and suddenly, we're revisiting our mind-body techniques to navigate the chaos. In this episode of the MindBodyCouple podcast, we unravel how fear not only hijacked our minds but also manifested physical symptoms, offering a firsthand look at the phenomenon of neuroplastic nausea. We tackle the challenging terrain of obsessive-compulsive behaviors, particularly in the context of health anxieties, a...2025-02-0626 minThe Mind-Body CoupleFinding Purpose: Transforming Chronic Pain and Illness with Passion and CreativityAfter years of battling with chronic neuroplastic pain, Tanner Murtaugh discovered the power of purposeful action as a transformative tool in their healing journey. Join us on the MindBodyCouple podcast, where we share how engaging in actions with a sense of purpose, passion, and creativity can help shift focus from fear-driven behaviors to those grounded in values and meaning. By letting go of perfectionism and embracing a life filled with small steps towards new career paths or hobbies, you'll learn how to transcend the constraints of chronic symptoms and find fulfillment in everyday life.We delve into...2025-01-1625 minThe Mind-Body CoupleThe Unexpected Link: Connecting Chronic Symptoms, Obsessive Compulsive Patterns, and AnxietyWhat if your dizziness and anxiety were more connected than you ever imagined? Join us in a groundbreaking conversation with Dr. Yonit Arthur, a board-certified audiologist and vestibular specialist, as we unravel the unexpected link between chronic dizziness and mental health challenges like anxiety and obsessive-compulsive patterns. Dr. Arthur sheds light on how sudden bouts of dizziness can trigger a cascade of anxiety, even in those without previous mental health issues, leading to a cycle of distress that can magnify symptoms. Understanding these intricate dynamics is crucial for anyone striving for effective recovery and relief.As we...2025-01-0944 minThe Mind-Body CoupleRetrain Your Brain: Harnessing Somatic Tracking to Conquer Chronic Pain and IllnessDiscover the revolutionary approach to retraining your brain to conquer chronic pain and illness as we welcome a fresh start in the new year. Through candid reflections on our holiday experiences, we underscore the critical importance of easing pressure and maintaining emotional regulation. Dive deep into the transformative practice of somatic tracking, a cornerstone of pain reprocessing therapy, which empowers you to replace fear and frustration with calmness and compassion. By cultivating a sense of safety around bodily sensations, you'll begin to lay the groundwork for lasting healing and relief.Journey with us into the world of...2025-01-0231 minThe Mind-Body CoupleMystery Girl: Tanner Interviews Aoife about their Recovery from Chronic SymptomsAfter enduring decades of chronic pain, anxiety, and depression, Aoife, a courageous mind-body coach, graces our latest episode with her incredible journey to healing. As a child, Aoife was dubbed the "mystery girl" by doctors due to her endless symptoms and elusive diagnoses, including fibromyalgia. Her story is a testament to resilience and transformation, from struggling with drugs and alcohol as coping mechanisms to embracing a mindful approach to health. Join us to hear Aoife's riveting tale of survival and renewal, which echoes our own personal battles with similar challenges.Throughout our conversation, we dig deep into...2024-12-2638 minThe Mind-Body CoupleNavigating Holiday Stress: Mind-Body Tools for Managing Chronic Pain and Embracing ImperfectionEver felt the weight of the holiday season bearing down on you, especially when managing chronic pain or illness? You're not alone. Join us as we promise to equip you with a "mind-body holiday toolkit" designed to navigate the intense pressures of festive obligations, relationship dynamics, and financial strains. Our heartfelt discussion sheds light on the common yet overwhelming experience of striving for perfection during the holidays. We share personal stories and effective strategies to help you prioritize your well-being, embrace authenticity, and foster emotional balance during one of the busiest times of the year.Throughout our...2024-12-1923 minThe Mind-Body CoupleGive Up Control??? Embrace Uncertainty!Unlock the secrets to navigating uncertainty in your healing journey with insights from the MindBodyCouple podcast. Ever wondered how your nervous system's subconscious signals might be impacting your emotional regulation and perception of safety? Join us as we explore the concept of neuroception from polyvagal theory, revealing how childhood adversity, trauma, and chronic pain can skew these signals, leaving you feeling more vulnerable. You'll learn practical strategies to enhance emotional regulation and reduce the fear of uncertainty, empowering you to transform your response to life's unknowns.Embrace a new way of living by letting go of the...2024-12-0527 minThe Mind-Body CoupleHealing Story: Simon's Journey Healing their Chronic Widespread PainWhat if the chronic pain you experience isn't just a physical ailment, but a complex interplay of emotions and neurological patterns? Join us on the MindBodyCouple podcast as Simon unravels his personal journey of battling chronic pain. Despite expert opinions leaving him at a loss, Simon's story is one of resilience and discovery. He sheds light on the neuroplastic nature of his symptoms and how hypervigilance and maladaptive coping mechanisms played a role in his suffering. His journey takes many twists, from feeling isolated and frustrated to finding hope in new therapeutic approaches and psychological insights that paved the...2024-11-2834 minThe Mind-Body CoupleBlended States of the Nervous System Part 1: Balancing the Nervous System and Overcoming Chronic Pain/Symptoms Through PlayImagine discovering a path to healing chronic pain/symptoms and trauma that involves something as simple and joyful as play. Join us, Tanner and Anne, as we embark on an insightful journey through the intricate workings of the autonomic nervous system and its vital role in well-being. Our series kicks off with a lighthearted exploration of the ventral vagal, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal states, adorned with personal tales and a sprinkle of humor. We reveal how balancing these states can lead to profound recovery and why an occasional ping pong match can be both healing and stressful.A...2024-11-2123 minThe Mind-Body CoupleUnlearning Chronic Pain: Embracing Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy with Paul LapointeImagine a world where chronic pain is not a lifelong sentence but a puzzle that can be solved. That's exactly what Paul Lapointe, our esteemed guest from the Pain Psychotherapy Canada Clinic, discovered on his remarkable journey. After facing his own debilitating chronic pain, Paul unearthed the transformative concept of neuroplastic pain—a revelation that turned his world upside down. Join us as Paul shares his story of struggle and breakthroughs. He offers insights that challenge our deepest beliefs about pain and our bodies.Emotions can be both a burden and a balm, especially in the realm of...2024-11-1435 minThe Mind-Body CoupleUnderstanding and Overcoming the Symptom Imperative: Why the Brain Triggers New Pain or Symptoms While HealingIn this episode we dive into discussing symptom imperative, a fascinating phenomenon where new symptoms arise as one heals from chronic pain/symptoms through a neuroplastic approach.We guide you through effective strategies for overcoming the symptom imperative, emphasizing the need to recognize symptoms without an obsessive urge to fix them. Beware of the trap of consulting "Dr. Google," and instead, consider gentle brain retraining practices, somatic tracking, and challenging your limiting beliefs as constructive alternatives. Understand the emotional messages or unresolved traumas that might be linked to these symptoms, but avoid becoming consumed by the search...2024-11-0722 minThe Mind-Body CoupleTaming the Spooky Beast: Reprocessing Chronic Pain/Symptoms Through Neuroplasticity and Mind-Body StrategiesDiscover the secrets of taming the "spooky beast" of chronic pain/symptoms as we unravel the intricate dance between our brains and our bodies. Ever wondered how your brain's misinterpretation of signals keeps you ensnared in a relentless cycle of discomfort? We'll demystify the science of nervous system survival responses like fight, flight, fawn, and freeze and explore how these reactions can exacerbate chronic symptoms. We'll illuminate how fostering a sense of safety can help break free from this cycle, offering a path toward healing inspired by the insights of Alan Gordon.Join us as we unpack...2024-10-3125 minThe Mind-Body CoupleReintegrating into the Workplace: Overcoming Chronic Pain and Symptoms Through Mind-Body StrategiesIn this episode of the MindBodyCouple podcast, Tanner reveals how chronic pain and mental health struggles led him away from work and into a cycle of avoidance that only deepened his challenges. Discover Tanner's personal story of healing through a mind-body approach, a method that helped him gradually and safely reintegrate into the workplace. We discuss why it's crucial to solidify recovery before making the leap back to work, offering insights into strategies that can turn this challenging transition into a positive experience.We also explore overcoming work fears and the challenges of navigating toxic work environments...2024-10-2427 minThe Mind-Body CoupleNavigating Perfectionism and Chronic Pain/Symptoms: Transforming Coping MechanismsEver wondered if perfectionism could be causing your chronic pain or symptoms? Join us on the MindBodyCouple podcast, where we unravel the fascinating link between these two issues, drawing from our recent experiences at the Psychophysiologic Disorders Association conference in Colorado. Our insights are breaking new ground by challenging the notion that perfectionism is an immutable part of your personality. Instead, we offer a new perspective: perfectionism is a trait that can be transformed to reduce the stress, guilt, and shame that may accompany it. Our listeners have shared powerful stories on how embracing these ideas has brought them...2024-10-1728 minThe Mind-Body CoupleHarnessing Neuroplasticity for Healing: Brain Retraining to Overcome Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with Raelan AgleWhat if the path to healing chronic fatigue syndrome and long COVID lies not in medication or supplements, but within our own minds? Discover how special guest Raelan Agle transformed her decade-long battle with chronic fatigue syndrome into a journey of recovery and empowerment. As the creator of a thriving YouTube channel, Raelan Agle shares the evolving stories of resilience and recovery, highlighting a critical shift towards understanding the interconnectedness of stress, emotions, and the autonomic nervous system. Together, we delve into the powerful role lifestyle choices, career paths, and self-perception play in the healing process, as individuals within...2024-10-1030 minThe Mind-Body CoupleMaintaining Healing and Regulating Your Nervous System: Daily Practices for Long-Term WellnessEver wondered why your chronic pain or symptoms returns even after periods of relief? Learn the secrets to sustaining your healing journey and discover daily practices that can regulate your nervous system for the long run. We share compelling personal stories and client observations that reveal common pitfalls and emphasize the necessity of a lifestyle overhaul. From reshaping your thoughts and beliefs to brain retraining and creating social safety, we'll offer a comprehensive guide to maintaining these essential practices. Despite the effort required, the long-term benefits are undeniably worth it.Unlock the power of Qigong and the...2024-09-2625 minThe Mind-Body CoupleExploring Neuroplastic Pain and Symptoms: Unlocking the Brain's Role in Chronic Pain/Symptoms and HealingCan pain and physical symptoms exist without any physical damage? Join us for a mind-bending exploration on the MindBodyCouple podcast as we unravel the mysteries of neuroplastic pain and symptoms. Hosts Tanner Murtaugh and Anne Hampson dive into the science behind chronic pain/symptoms, explaining how the brain can misinterpret harmless signals as threats, leading to real pain/symptoms despite the absence of injury. We break down complex concepts like "chronic primary pain" and "chronic secondary pain," revealing the brain's role in amplifying these sensations. You'll get a firsthand look at compelling studies, including the amusing yet enlightening "hairdryer...2024-09-1919 minThe Mind-Body CoupleUnraveling Neuroplastic Pain/Symptoms: 7 Ways it DevelopsCan the mind really amplify pain even when your body is healed? Join us as we unravel this fascinating concept of neuroplastic pain and symptoms Fresh off our family trip to British Columbia, we share our travel adventures with young children and shift our focus to understanding the seven ways neuroplastic pain and symptoms develop. We dive deep into how pain signals can serve as meaningful messages rather than mere mistakes, and how recognizing these signals can lead to profound personal healing journeys.Discover how stress, life transitions, and even high-intensity living contribute to chronic pain, and...2024-09-1233 minThe Mind-Body CoupleHow Can I Release Stored Trauma and Emotions from My Body?Ever wondered why animals seem to bounce back from stress so effortlessly, while humans often get stuck? In this episode, Tanner and Anne dive deep into the science of trauma and the nervous system, guided by insights from experts like Peter Levine and Deb Dana. We'll explore how intentional movement can rewire our nervous systems from a state of chronic stress to one of connection and healing. Hear how animals naturally navigate fight, flight, and freeze responses, and learn why humans often struggle to do the same. With practical tips and heartfelt stories, we offer you actionable...2024-08-2920 min